Qatar Foundation appoints new president

H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, chairperson of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, yesterday announced the appointment of Saad al-Muhannadi as its new president and Rashid al-Naimi as the chief executive officer of Qatar Foundation Investments.

HH Sheikha Moza said: “In Saad al-Muhannadi we could not wish for a more capable president to continue advancing our mission. As one of the founding members of Qatar Foundation, he is steeped in the esteemed traditions of our organisation.

“It is now 18 years since Qatar Foundation was founded. From humble beginnings it has grown to become the world-class institution that we see today, spearheading the nation’s efforts on our journey towards a knowledge economy.

“Al-Muhannadi has been with us throughout this incredible journey, leading the ongoing development of the organisation’s infrastructure, and I have the utmost confidence in his ability to provide the necessary leadership as Qatar Foundation continues its exciting mission to unlock human potential. I would like to extend my very best wishes to our new president in his new role.”

HH Sheikha Moza expressed delight that Rashid al-Naimi will be taking up the key role of CEO of Qatar Foundation Investments. “Throughout his career, including in his most recent position as Qatar Foundation’s vice president of administration, he has demonstrated that he is a natural leader. I have every confidence that he will be a great success in his new position, and I wish him the very best.”

Al-Muhannadi has been an integral part of Qatar Foundation’s growth since its founding in 1995, and a key member of its Board of Trustees. As vice president of Capital Projects and Facilities Management since 2005, he has been responsible for the planning, design, construction and maintenance of all Qatar Foundation buildings and supporting infrastructure at Education City’s unique 15mn sq m campus.

Education City has the biggest collection of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified buildings in the Middle East, demonstrating engineer al-Muhannadi’s determination to ensure that environmental concerns are addressed at the design stage of every Qatar Foundation construction. As well as serving on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, al-Muhannadi is also a founding member of the Board of Directors at Msheireb Properties.

“I am humbled, yet proud, to have been asked to serve as president of Qatar Foundation,” al-Muhannadi said upon his appointment. “The organisation is dear to my heart, having been closely involved in its development since its inception. I am most grateful for the opportunity to continue this journey as we seek to implement Qatar’s National Vision 2030.

“Qatar Foundation has developed into a unique organisation, and all of my colleagues have played an important role in this success. Their strategic expertise will be vital as we continue our plans for expansion.

“And, just as Qatar Foundation’s success has come about through collective hard work, so the opportunities afforded by the organisation should be available for the collective benefit of the local population. Qatar Foundation was built by Qatar, it is sustained by Qatar, and it belongs to the people of Qatar, regardless of their background and occupation. Qatar Foundation has an extremely bright future, and I am delighted to be a part of it.”

Al-Naimi has demonstrated a flair for strategic implementation and innovation throughout his time at Qatar Foundation, while helping to foster a culture of quality and excellence throughout the organisation.

In his new role as CEO of Qatar Foundation Investments, al-Naimi’s strategic expertise will be brought to the fore as he oversees Qatar Foundation Endowment, Qatar Foundation Investments, and the organisation’s other joint ventures and initiatives.

“I am tremendously honoured to be asked to take on this new position,” said al-Naimi. “The time I have spent as vice president of administration has provided me with a valuable insight into the huge array of talent, expertise and potential that Qatar Foundation possesses. As the organisation continues to refine its strategic objectives I am very much looking forward to the challenge of serving as CEO of Qatar Foundation investments.”

Outgoing president Dr Fathy Saoud has overseen considerable development at Qatar Foundation as it has become a globally respected institution. Paying tribute, al-Muhannadi said: “Dr Saoud’s leadership has been inspirational to the entire Qatar Foundation community, and we wish him all the very best in his future endeavours,” a sentiment echoed by al-Naimi.